British Cycling suspends trans and non binary policy pending review

[FemaleAndLearning]

Breaking news!
Well done to the female cyclists and supporters if women's sport.
twitter.com/BritishCycling?t=Jg6qvomNgoKgr4obHTrQ9A&s=09

Non twitter link.www.britishcycling.org.uk/about/article/20220408-about-bc-news-British-Cycling-statement--Transgender-and--Non-Binary-Participation-Policy-0

Tremendous!!! May I say a big thank you to Emily for their help on this. It was so kind of you to be the poster person for the policy and let sunlight in!!!

Part of the statement
"While the current policy was created following an extensive external and internal consultation, the review will allow us time for further discussion with all stakeholders, including women and the transgender and non-binary communities, as we strive to provide all within our sport with the clarity and understanding they deserve."

Excellent news.

Link to previous thread with much discussion.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/4517819-Breaking-news-Emily-wont-compete?pg=1

www.bbc.com/sport/cycling/61036110

OMG not only did they mention women, we came first in the list!!

Sadly, I suspect that this 'coalition' of sporting organisations will be just like the others. They will ignore women's voices while patting themselves on the back for making the right noises.

I hope I am wrong.

Thanks for the heads up. I went and had a look at their smarmy statement "Understanding that this is a fast-moving area of sports policy and scientific research..." and did my bit to let them know that people are on to them.

Here's hoping they allow trans athletes to compete with their biological sex, it's not refusing them to compete, merely making it fair. Let's hope this means the tide maybe turning.

Good news indeed, though I am a bit disappointed that as a BC qualified Coach and Chair of a local cycling club, this thread is the first time I've seen the announcement. It didn't feature in this week's Club News or Member News. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt - it was perhaps too late to add and will be the first item in next week's newsletters. I'm just getting too cycnical in my old age.

disappointed that as a BC qualified Coach and Chair of a local cycling club, this thread is the first time I've seen the announcement. It didn't feature in this week's Club News or Member News

After the semi-threatening email from BC last time perhaps people were left not wanting to mention it at all?

Yeah this is such excellent news! 🎉🎉🎉

Yes, the last communication had me, and quite a lot of other female coaches and club officials I know, very seriously considering our positions. Were it not for the fact I really believe in what we're achieving in our club and that kids would lose out without us, I would walk away from BC without a backwards glance.
Hopefully this is a turning point.

I wonder if the EHRC guidance, which reprises the existing Equality Act, has helped nudge them to this conclusion?

Excellent news. Just unbelievable that the we've even had to have these discussions. And yes - women finally mentioned by the misogynists. Yay!

This is good news.

"Due to the difference in the policies held by British Cycling and the UCI relating to the licensing process, it is currently possible for trans-female athletes to gain eligibility to race domestically while their cases remain pending with the UCI (or indeed in situations where they are deemed ineligible).

This in turn allows those riders to accrue domestic ranking points which impact selection decisions for National Championship races, which is not only unprecedented in our sport, but is also unfair on all women riders and poses a challenge to the integrity of racing."

Although I'm not liking 'trans-female'. Men who identify as women are not and will never be female in any way. I'm going to have to keep an eye out on the creep of trans female in place of transwoman

I'm assuming that 'all women riders' means 'all adult human female riders' and if so, this is a big statement in that it recognises that the inclusion of men (regardless of identity) is not fair.

Agree I'm also a BC member and official and have let them know I'm not happy. I'm only still a member because this isn't an issue in our local area and female cyclists are well supported by our club and area. This is excellent news.

It's a bit of an about-turn. But this:

over the past week we have started in earnest our work to galvanise a coalition of organisations to come together to find a better answer

Really? No men in women's sport. There. Sorted it!

Good news indeed, shows the importance of accurate EHRC guidance.

Adding my thanks to Emily, if after a review they are not allowed to continue to ride in their existing male category I will happily fight for their right to compete with other males

@MrsAvocet

Good news indeed, though I am a bit disappointed that as a BC qualified Coach and Chair of a local cycling club, this thread is the first time I've seen the announcement. It didn't feature in this week's Club News or Member News. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt - it was perhaps too late to add and will be the first item in next week's newsletters. I'm just getting too cycnical in my old age.

You are not alone, apparently Emily Bridges mother is a bit peeved too, though she did at least get an email!

This is good news although I will continue to roll my eyes that this is in any way complicated and needs a coalition to understand male over female sporting advantage.

@OvaHere

This is good news although I will continue to roll my eyes that this is in any way complicated and needs a coalition to understand male over female sporting advantage.

Yes. 'Fast-moving' indeed 🙄

I'm wondering if the rumoured women's cyclists boycott of the Derby event was real. Good on them if so.
Also I don't like transfemale. People might think it is women saying they are men, not men saying they are women. Their language needs to tightened up to give clarity. Emily will never be female.

You are not alone, apparently Emily Bridges mother is a bit peeved too, though she did at least get an email!

[waves to EB's mother!]

I am sure that she will be reading and still trying to come up with reasons why testosterone reduction is the be all and end all to her child's competitiveness in the female category. She was never able to convince anyone though which is perhaps why she never returned.